Who knew that dried leaves could have so many uses? Compost, insulation, kindling, and fertilizer are just a few of the ways you can use up your dried leaves this fall.

1. Kindling

If you’re going camping, leaves make great kindling for your campfire. They’re readily available, so gather up a bunch to start your campfire. They light in seconds, and are great if you don’t have any fire starters on hand!

2. Insulation

Unknown to many, leaves are an excellent source of insulation. They can actually help you save money on your heating bills this winter! If you have any open crawlspaces or exposed areas in your home, gather up some leaves in a bag to fill up the spots.

3. Mulch

Place your leaves around your plants to keep the soil moist and add some much-needed nutrients. You can leave them on top of the soil, or bury them a few inches down.

4. Grass Fertilizer

Use your lawn mower to go over the leaves and shred them. Simply leave them on your lawn and they will break down and fertilize your grass!

5. Add Them to Your Compost Pile

Just like with your lawn, you can also use leaves as a natural compost in your garden. Leave them in a pile in your garden and they will break down and turn into nutrient-rich black soil. In the spring, spread this soil around your garden.

6. Craft Projects

There are tonnes of cute craft projects you can do with leaves. A quick search on Pinterest will yeild you many, many results! Decorate your home this fall with your very own unique leaf decorations! We’re loving this leaf craft megapost over at Remodelaholic!

Photos: Lowes, Countryside Industries, Webdesigner Depot, Wikipedia, Fresh Basil, The Haring Gardens.

Mulch is really important for any garden, not only does it conserve moisture and enhance plants, it’s also an erosion buster! If you’re having a weed problem, mulch helps by stopping weeds from taking root. On hot days, the mulch helps shade the roots of your plants.

The first thing when it comes to applying mulch is do you want organic or inorganic? Organic mulch is wood, bark, compost, leaves, and grass clippings. It will eventually decompose and improve the soil as it’s decomposing. Stone is a more permanent mulch. It’s a low-maintenance option but it’s not easy to plant in. When choosing a mulch, you need to decide if you will need to do any gardening that requires digging and moving the mulch around. If so, choosing an organic mulch would be a better option.

Now you need to pick the right mulch, since every mulch is different. For example, bark nuggets can float away if there is heavy rain. Cocoa hulls have an aroma, but are expensive and are toxic to dogs. Most choose shredded bark or wood, as it’s inexpensive and easy to apply. The con is that it doesn’t add as many nutrients to the soil as other mulches.

If you’re on a budget, you can use your yard waste as mulch. Grass clippings, leaves, and compost are all good mulch. Although compost adds tonnes of nutrients, it isn’t very good at keeping weeds at bay. Grass clippings can be effective, but don’t pile them too deeply because they can get soggy. Remember not to use grass clippings that have been treated with herbicides. If you decide to use leaves, make sure to shred them first. Pine needles are a great choice because they last a long time, and work well with azaleas (and other acid-loving plants), since pine needles acidify soil.

Don’t spread the mulch too thickly, and don’t spread it too thinly, either. Spread the mulch 2-3 inches thick. If it’s thicker, it could attract pests. You can apply mulch any time, as there isn’t a specific time you need to mulch your plants. Plants will accept mulch any time of the year. If you decide to apply mulch in the winter, wait until the ground freezes before mulching.

Photos: Eco Pro Mulch, Look Home Design, The Floor Decor.

We love spending time with our pets outside. Whether it’s chasing a ball or lounging around in the sun, it’s great for bonding with your pets and giving them the exercise they need. Although we think our yards are a safe place, there could be hidden dangers that can affect your pets. Keep reading to find out about these 6 deadly hazards that could be lurking in your yard.

1. Snail and Slug Baits

Snail and slug baits contain metaldehyde can result in toxicity. Make sure to follow label directions before around any pets. Even better, try going for a natural solution like laying around copper wires, or salt.

2. Cocoa Mulch

Just like chocolate, cocoa mulch contains the methylxanthines that cause problems with the heart in animals, and eating it can be fatal in high doses.

3. Poisonous Plants

Make sure you know the names of all the plants in your yard and if they are toxic to your pets. Common poisonous plants include yews, azaleas, poison hemlock, and castor. Make sure you remove or block off any plants that may be toxic.

4. Fruit Trees

If you have fruit trees in your yard, usually there will be fallen fruit around the tree. If not cleared away, mold will start to grow on the fruit and if ingested by your pets, it can cause seizures and tremor.

5. Fencing

Dogs and cats are experts in the art of escaping enclosures. Make sure you inspect your fence for any holes that will allow your pets to flee, and can allow wild creatures in. Check for any holes underneath the fence as well.

6. Water

Backyard pools can pose dangers to your pets. Aside from drowning, the water in your pool contains toxic chemicals, and is not intended for drinking. In the cold months, a covered pool can pose dangers when if your pet walks across it. The animal can slip beneath the cover and get caught in the straps and ties.

Photos: Veseys, The Obsessed Gardener, The Self Sufficient Living, Reddit, Professional Pet Shampoo, Home Interior Image.